Saying "So Long" To Dan

Yep, it was bittersweet to celebrate Dan Southerland's last full-time day with us in Matthews yesterday.

He announced that he is taking the Lead Teaching Pastor role at Westside Family Church in Kansas City. A number of us had been walking closely with Dan as he and Mary processed this decision over the last months.

It is the right thing. God is in it. I am thrilled for both Dan and Westside, a truly great church.

But sad, too. Sad that this man whom I love as much as any guy I am not related to won't be here day to day. It's cool to be sad - if we can't hurt then we aren't living.

And Dan will still be here to teach several times a year and here every couple of months to hang with our church planters and campus pastors.